You should get to know... Nancy Herselius

Nancy Herselius

Nov. 26, 2012

Special to The Register

Business description: Creative Meetings & Events LLC was started in 2005 for the purpose of assisting associations and businesses in creating and executing successful meetings, events, fundraisers and other types of professional meetings. Since that time, CM&E has assisted several clients in achieving their goals.

I’ve been in this industry since 1993 and have successfully planned and executed meetings and events for 15 to 2,000 people all over the United States as well as in Canada, Europe and the Caribbean, from inception, site selection, contract negotiation and budget development through on-site management, invoice reconciliation and attendee evaluations, and everything in between.

I also have experience with group tour creation and management, and am in the process of pulling together an “Iowa — Off the Beaten Path” tour for next summer with a retired schoolteacher. This tour will take attendees to places they didn’t know existed.

Also provided is meeting planner training and/or mentoring for those who are inexperienced when thrown into this role or for the planner who wishes to expand on his/her skill set.

Background: I am Iowa born and raised and proud of it! I grew up on a farm outside Prairie City, one of a family of five girls. I’ve had “three lives” — dental assistant, school board secretary/treasurer, and now working in the meetings industry for more than 19 years. In 1987, I made the decision to return to school and in 1990 graduated with an associate’s degree in business management from Des Moines Area Community College.

Notable achievements: I earned my Certified Meeting Professional designation in 1994. I served on the board of directors or as a volunteer of the Heartland Chapter of Meeting Professionals International for several years, awarded Star of the Quarter two times by Heartland Chapter Meeting Professionals International. I served as guest lecturer for a hospitality class at Iowa State University; I created a plan for tracking over 600 abstracts for verbal and poster presentations for international association.

Why I do what I do: I am very much a people person, having met and worked with many from all over the world at different professional levels. I love to be creative and productive, and work hard to provide an excellent “product” for all clients. Dedication, dependability, attention to detail, organization and hard work are qualities that I have and carry forward to achieve my clients’ desires.

What I do to get away from work: I love to spend time with my family, play golf and am a voracious reader of business-related materials and historical fiction.

The best place in central Iowa to entertain clients or colleagues: There are many wonderful places in which to entertain clients or colleagues. We have many excellent restaurants in the Des Moines area as well as many great locations for events. There are several hidden gems that most people are not aware of. An example of this is the Fort Des Moines Museum, where they also have great meeting and event space.

One thing I would change about the Des Moines area: Nothing! I frequently talk with people who are on their first visit to Des Moines and always hear how friendly and clean Des Moines is, as well as how impressed they are with all there is to do and see in the area. I wouldn’t change a thing about Des Moines!

My Mentor: My dad was my mentor. He had a great work ethic and could get along with anyone. He passed those values on to me and I couldn’t thank him enough!

My leadership philosophy: Communication, communication, communication! And a big part of that is being a great listener.

What I would do if I could do something else: I would be a tour director, working with groups who wish to see sights all over the world.